CAPERTON HOUSE 

Located in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia, the site of the Caperton House transitions from rural road, across open meadow, to dense deciduous forest—where a south-facing promontory commands the Potomac River. Both rural retreat and gathering place, the house engages visitors with the site, the river, and the distant ridges, while including gallery space for a collection of West Virginia art. The building deploys local traditions, materials, craftsmanship, and practice. Local masons built the limestone ‘arms’ with native stone, local timber framers used state-grown oak, and a combination of metal and wood siding reflects indigenous building practice. The colorful palette ameliorates the bleakness of winter and helps buildings recede into the landscape the rest of the year.

Photography credit: Peter Aaron, Prakesh Patel